The soffit of a house is usually made from either vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, wood, and steel. It's the roof's overhang and is used to improve aesthetic of your home. It's normally used to cover beams so that they're not completely exposed. But they also work to protect the rafters from various weather elements. If rafters are exposed, there is a chance for mold to grow. The fascia protects the interior of the home and the roof from moisture.
This is why it's important to maintain your soffit and fascia and repair them as soon as you see that it's rotting. Continue reading for 5 ways to repair soffit and fascia when it's rotting.
1. Remove Shingle Mold and Rotted Fascia
Most often than not, the type of fascia that you have to worry about rotting is wood fascia. Some signs to look for to know that it's going bad are peeling paint, sagging gutter sections, and stains or streaks.
Using a flat bar, remove the shingle mold from the fascia. If you can remove it without splitting it, consider setting it aside and using it again. Now, remove the section of fascia that's rotted.
There may be some roof shingles or flashings that are nearby, so you'll want to be sure not to damage them in the process.
2. Remove Old Soffit and Rotted Rafter
To remove the old soffit, you can simply pull down on it. Then, chop out the rotted rafter by using a reciprocating saw. You can take pressure-treated lumber and cut out a piece to use as a replacement.
3. Attach Cleat and New Rafter
The cleat will help support the new soffit and the rafter. Take a 2x4 cleat and attach it to a brick chimney using a powder-actuated nailer. Clamp a backing board into place and then screw the new rafter into it.
You'll want to screw it into the chimney cleat also.
4. Seal Replacement Soffit and Attach Replacement Soffit
Use a waxy sealer to protect your plywood soffit edges from water and moisture. Now, prime both the bottom and top surfaces of it and place the plywood soffit under the eave.
5. Replace Crown Molding and Attach Replacement Fascia
Directly beneath the edge of the new soffit and along the side of the house is a section of crown molding that will now need replacing. Replace it and slide your new fascia into place. You'll need to attach it using galvanized nails.
Be sure to putty the holes. You'll then want to attach the shingle mold to the top of the new fascia. To ensure that everything is leveled out correctly, you can use a tape measure.
Repair Soffit and Fascia the Right Way
When looking to repair soffit and fascia, you'll want to be sure to do it the right way. Follow these 5 tips listed above to repair and replace your soffit and fascia correctly. For additional information and related topics refer to our best guide on building soffit.
